What's the best thing about being 7?
A while back :
So, Mishmash, you turn 7 tomorrow.
Yesss Mumma ! I can't wait!
Tell me, what's the most exciting thing about being 7?
The best part about being 7 is that papa will stop treating me like I was 6.
How did he treat you when you were (still are!) 6?
Like a silly little girl mumma.
So, how do you think he will treat you from tomorrow?
I have 'heard' mumma that after you turn 7, mummas and papas let you do anything you want to.
Like?
Umm watch TV ANYTIME you want to.
I don't think so.
Ma, i know.
What else?
You can go to your friend's house whenever you want. I don't need you or Aunty.
I don't think so.
But why mumma? I'm big now. Actually i will be big tomorrow. I am now a responsible girl. I also know it's spelling (responsible). Remember papa and you asked me the spelling that day? I can handle everything on my own.
*My heart breaks, exactly at this moment*
What else?
You can go to your friend's house whenever you want. I don't need you or Aunty.
I don't think so.
But why mumma? I'm big now. Actually i will be big tomorrow. I am now a responsible girl. I also know it's spelling (responsible). Remember papa and you asked me the spelling that day? I can handle everything on my own.
*My heart breaks, exactly at this moment*
What else changes?
I can go swimming on my own! Even if it's drizzling. Papa never lets me. But after i turn 7, I can.
I don't think so.
*Sees that this conversation is not taking the right turn and hence, is about to leave*
Wait! *More indulgently* - So, tell na. What else changes? I really want to know. This is called expectation setting.
What's that mumma?
Its telling each other what we expect of each other and then coming to a mutual agreement.
Maaaa, i'm going.
No wait! Tell me ....please?
I think from tomorrow you and papa will stop telling me to 'do this', 'bring that', 'clean your mess', 'take a bath' do do do do do. All that will change.
You do know that once you turn 7 you HAVE to sleep in your own bed and cannot sneak in or sleep walk in the middle of the night into our bedroom, don't you?
*Silence*.
Ma, what cake are you baking for me tomorrow? Come I'll help you.
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Happy Birthday, my love. We will continue to be as painful and obnoxious as we are for the rest of your life.
Also, what exactly happens at 13, again?
*Silence*.
Ma, what cake are you baking for me tomorrow? Come I'll help you.
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Happy Birthday, my love. We will continue to be as painful and obnoxious as we are for the rest of your life.
Also, what exactly happens at 13, again?
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